Golden Purslane
Portulaca oleracea sativafam. Caryophyllaceae
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Pl. 52D7 — Portulaca oleracea sativa
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IOverview
Overview
Golden Purslane (Portulaca oleracea sativa) is an annual forb or herb known for its edible and medicinal properties. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, this plant thrives in light, medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5. Its leaves and seeds are commonly consumed, while documented uses include traditional medicine. One distinctive feature of Golden Purslane is its light, airy habit, growing up to 0.3 meters tall. Another notable characteristic is its preference for moist conditions and sandy or medium soils.
Quick answers
What is Golden Purslane?
Golden Purslane (Portulaca oleracea sativa) is an annual forb or herb known for its edible and medicinal properties. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, this plant thrives in light, medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleeptea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Golden Purslane thrives in light to moderate sunlight and prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is adaptable to light (sandy) and medium soil types but requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. As an annual plant, it should be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors for transplanting. Harvest leaves and seeds as needed throughout the growing period. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can spread quickly, making it suitable for borders or containers to control its growth.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Golden Purslane for the first time
8steps
Golden Purslane is a low-maintenance plant perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7–7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes if using pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors, then transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 2 inches tall. Alternatively, sow directly in the garden after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot, as it thrives in full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Remove any weeds that compete for nutrients and space.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch back stems to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Harvest leaves as needed, but avoid cutting too much at once.
- 8
Common mistakes
...
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Salt
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe4 regions
native (4)AlbaniaGreeceItalySpain
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanIranIraq
Africa16 regions
native (16)AlgeriaAngolaBeninBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEgyptEritreaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenya
Broader regions
native:Aldabra, Ascension, Central African Repu, Chagos Archipelago, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Gulf States
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caryophyllaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caryophyllaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
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